R
Rachel Okporu Fadoju
Guest
The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to refrain from imposing multiple taxes, levies and charges on Nigerians due to the current economic burden.
Naija News reports that the House resolution followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved during Thursday’s plenary session by the member representing Anambra East/Anambra West Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Mr Peter Aniekwe and co-sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda and four others.
Presenting the motion, the lead sponsor said the current economic situation of the country, characterised by rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living, had led to widespread hardship for the masses.
Aniekwe said unnecessary taxes, including consumption taxes, service taxes, and levies on essential goods and services, place an undue burden on the masses and further widen the inequality gap.
He noted that the government’s responsibility is to alleviate the economic challenges of the masses and not overburden them.
He said, “The imposition of multiple taxes, levies, and charges at various levels of government only serves to exacerbate the financial strain on citizens, particularly those in low-income brackets, many of whom are already struggling to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, housing, and education.
“The introduction of additional and sometimes unnecessary taxes, including consumption taxes, service taxes, and levies on essential goods and services, places an undue burden on the masses, further widening the inequality gap.
“While taxation is necessary for government revenue, a balance must be struck between revenue generation and the economic well-being of citizens, particularly at a time when many families and businesses are still recovering from the economic impact of global and local challenges.
“The government’s primary responsibility is to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the masses, ensuring policies that promote economic development, social welfare, and prosperity for all citizens.”
The House adopted the motion and urged the federal government to consider alternative revenue generation strategies such as widening the tax net to capture more high-income earners, strengthening enforcement of existing tax laws, plugging leakages in the system, exploring measures to increase export of cash crops and agricultural produces;
It mandated the committees on Finance and FIRS to within three weeks conduct a thorough review of existing tax laws and policies to streamline tax collection processes and eliminate redundant or overlapping taxes that contribute to the financial burden on citizens, identify areas of double taxation at all levels to provide relief to citizens without jeopardizing government revenue targets.
The House mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to oversee the resolutions’ manifestation.
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